Real Estate Law in Texas

Richland Hills's real estate industry is controlled by a huge body of laws. This is because almost any real estate transaction invokes laws regarding civil rights, consumer protection, land use, and contracts.

The large volume of laws regulating real estate in Richland Hills might seem overwhelming to the uninitiated. Indeed, they can get very complicated, especially when issues about title defects or construction disputes are involved.

Thus, it's always good to have at least some knowledge of Richland Hills's real estate law.

Having at least some knowledge of real estate law will be to your advantage in basically any real estate transaction. Knowing the law can give you a bargaining advantage and prevent you from being saddled with obligations that you don't have to assume.

Common Real Estate Law Issues in Richland Hills

Financing: The majority of people in Richland Hills can't afford to make a major real estate purchase by paying the full purchase price up front. Most people and small businesses, therefore, use a mortgage to make real estate purchases. A mortgage is a loan issued for the purpose of buying a piece of property, with the bank obtaining a security interest in that property until the loan and interest are paid off.

Zoning: Zoning regulations determine what types of structures are allowed on various parcels, based on their location in a municipality. For instance, some areas in a city might be zoned only for residential use. Another area might allow industrial use. These rules are meant to keep property values up, and promote harmony among neighbors by preventing conflicts.

Duty of Disclosure: Sellers of homes are bound by a legal duty to disclose defects in the home to prospective buyers, before they buy the house. Any defect which the seller knows (or reasonably should know) about, and which cannot be discovered by the buyer through an average inspection, must be disclosed to the buyer.

Implied Warranty: All residential lease agreements in Richland Hills carry with them an implicit promise by the landlord that the property is fit for human habitation. This warranty does not need to be explicitly stated in order to have effect, and neither the tenant nor landlord can waive it. Any agreement claiming to waive this warranty is void. To be considered habitable, a building must not be so dirty as to pose a health hazard, it must have running water, it must have electricity, and it must provide adequate protection from the weather. There are many other requirements, but if a building or unit lacks any one of those, it will be considered uninhabitable.

Can a Richland Hills Real Estate Lawyer Help?

These issues, along with many others, can sometimes be fairly perplexing. Therefore, you should never hesitate to consult with a Richland Hills real estate attorney if you have any questions.